A match that will be immortalized in Wayne Valley history ended with its heavyweight lifting both hands in the air. He had fought through a marathon battle in front of a buzzing crowd, all with the fate of his team's season riding on him. And then he beat the clock to bring home a championship that once looked unlikely.

Botero's escape just before time expired brought a storybook finish to the Indians' 33-31 win over Roxbury in Friday's North 1, Group 4 final.

The match came down to a winner-take-all, heavyweight round with the drama lasting into the ultimate tiebreaker. With less than 10 seconds remaining, Botero was able to push off his opponent to earn the 4-3 decision. Each of the last three wrestlers persevered in must-win matches for Wayne Valley, but none won more dramatically than Botero.

"I feel amazing," Botero said. "There's no better feeling than this. I wasn't really nervous, more ready and prepared for situations like this. I knew when I walked on the mat that I could do it for my team."

There were parts of the night when it seemed like the championship plaque would return to its previous owner. Roxbury broke open a 16-0 lead through the first three rounds and never trailed until after the final bout. The home crowd was energized when the No. 1-seeded Gaels took control in the lower weights, but grew tense as a comeback ensued.

Wayne Valley went on to take four straight rounds with Ryan and Sean Hammer getting back-to-back wins at 126 and 132. Perhaps Matt Jimenez was the unsung hero as he came back to earn a pin at 145, while trailing in the second period. Much later in the night, senior Reid Colella recorded his 100th career win.

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The defending-champion Gaels could not take advantage with three chances to clinch the win. Danny Murphy and Trani kept Wayne Valley's chance alive and set up a winner-take-all situation at heavyweight.

Wayne Valley wrestling team poses with the trophy after winning the North 1, Group 4 final.(Photo11: Sean Farrell/NorthJersey.com)

What it means

There will be a new team going down to Toms River. For Wayne Valley, the sectional championship was the second in program history and first since 2014. Roxbury has won five times since the decade began.

The next stop for the Indians is RWJ Barnabas Health Arena, where they face Phillipsburg in Sunday's Group 4 semifinals.

"We really are a family," coach Todd Schroeder said. "It's a cliche statement. Every practice, every workout, every match, the guys are so tight. Everyone wants everyone to succeed and do better every day. I love coaching these kids."

Key bout

Wayne Valley went into the heavyweight round down a point, needing a win of any kind from Botero. The match started off slow with Botero and Roxbury's Charles Lisa looking tentative in a scoreless first period. Botero pulled a reversal in the second, but Lisa battled back to force overtime. Both scored one point during the two tiebreaker periods to require one final 30-second battle. Botero was able to set himself free in the waning moments, setting off a wild celebration on his team's sideline.

"He told me that I'm going to do it for you," Trani said. "He's my training partner and every day in the room, we work hard and get better every single day. He dedicated that match to me and I knew right then and there, he wasn't going to let me down."

They said it

"It means everything to the community because they do a great job and are so dedicated. It's all they do to get the wrestlers to the next level. And you see the fanbase here, they made the trek down here on a Friday night. That's the most fans I've ever seen in an away match. I'm happy for the community and my kids. These kids busted their butts."

Passaic County Technical Institute wrestles Livingston High School for the North 1, Group 5 section championship at PCTI in Wayne on Friday February 8, 2019. At 160 pounds Jamal Allan (in black) with PCTI and Max Lee (in green) with LHS. Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com

Passaic County Technical Institute wrestles Livingston High School for the North 1, Group 5 section championship at PCTI in Wayne on Friday February 8, 2019. At 106 pounds Alex Vertedor (in black) with PCTI and Zach Vera (in green) with LHS. Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com

Passaic County Technical Institute celebrates a win against Livingston High School for the North 1, Group 5 section championship at PCTI in Wayne on Friday February 8, 2019. Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com

Michael Filieri of Garfield, right, celebrates his win with his mom Frances Filieri for the 220-pound title at the Sam Cali Battle for the Belt final on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in West Orange. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Michael Filieri of Garfield poses in a Burger King crown after winning the 220-pound title at the Sam Cali Battle for the Belt final on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in West Orange. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Michael Filieri of Garfield, right, celebrates with family after winning the 220-pound title at the Sam Cali Battle for the Belt final on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in West Orange. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Fans cheer on Garfield's Michael Filieri (not pictured) as he wins his 220-pound final during the Sam Cali Battle for the Belt final on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in West Orange. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Jack Wilt of Seton Hall Prep, left, wrestles David McCullough of Clearview in the 152-pound final during the Sam Cali Battle for the Belt tournament on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in West Orange. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Tommy Chiellini of Pascack Valley celebrates his victory over Kieran Calvetti of Delbarton (not pictured) in the 182-pound final during the Sam Cali Battle for the Belt on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in West Orange. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Sammy Alvarez of St. Joseph defeats Chris Lydon of Paramus Catholic in a 132-pound quarterfinal match on Day 1 of the BCCA holiday wrestling tournament on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, in Hackensack. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com